Module Identifier RD15010  
Module Title ANIMAL SCIENCE  
Academic Year 2002/2003  
Co-ordinator Dr Michael T Rose  
Semester Semester 2  
Course delivery Lecture   22 Hours 22 x 1 hour lectures  
  Practical   9 Hours 3 x 3 hour practicals  
Assessment Semester Exam   1.5 Hours Outcomes assessed: 1, 2, 3   80%  
  Semester Assessment   Animal welfare essay Outcomes assessed: 4   20%  
  Supplementary Assessment   Candidates will be required to re-take the element that led to failure of the module   100%  

Learning outcomes

Outcome 1
Explain the relevant components of the structure and function of the animal body as far as they apply to domestic farm animals.
Performance criteria:
a) Structure and function of appropriate areas of the animal body are explained.
b) Appropriate physiological mechanisms and events are identified.
Ranges:
Anatomy and physiology of the circulatory, respiratory and urinary systems; animal tissues; and nervous and hormonal control systems.
Structure and function of blood and tissue fluid.
Structure and function of the udder.
The hormonal control of lactation.
Outcome 2
Describe the processes of reproduction in domestic livestock and select appropriate techniques for the manipulation of reproductive performance.
Performance criteria:
a) The structure of the reproductive tract is described.
b) The physiological control of reproductive processes is outlined.
c) Methods of manipulating reproductive processes are explained in relation to physiological controls.
Ranges:
One of either cattle, sheep or pigs.
Outcome 3
Explain the inter-relationship between environment, health and management in the expression and control of disease in farm animals.
Performance criteria:
a) Describe the type and origin of pathogenic organisms.
b) Explain the reaction of the animal body to disease.
c) Identify the principles of disease control, prevention and treatment.
Ranges:
Common pathogenic micro-organisms involved in disease in farm animals.
Cellular and humoral responses.
Vaccination, disinfection, hygiene procedures, legislation.
Alternative medical treatments - homeopathy, acupuncture, herbal remedies.

Outcome 4
Outline the current areas of concern involving animal welfare issues.
Performance criteria:
a) The ethics of animal welfare are discussed.
b) Current areas of welfare concern are identified.
c) Possible approaches to the enhancement of animal welfare are identified and described.
Ranges:
Cultural and ethnic differences in the perception of animal welfare.
Intensive animal production systems, genetic engineering and welfare, live animal transport and slaughter.
Main areas of current animal welfare legislation.

Brief description

This module aims to provide the underpinning scientific knowledge which is appropriate to an understanding of effective livestock production. It provides an introduction to the fundamental principles of animal science in as far as they relate to the relevant areas of anatomy, physiology, reproduction, structure and function of the udder, the hormonal control of lactation, animal health and issues concerned with animal welfare.

Transferable skills

.1 Independent project work
   Developed by the assignment

.2 IT and information handling
   The internet may be used as a resource for help with the assignment

.3 Writing in an academic context
   Developed by the assignment and examination

Reading Lists

Books
Gordon I. (1997) Controlled reproduction in farm animals. CABI
Frandson R D. (1992) Anatomy and physiology of farm animals. Lipincott, Williams and Wilkins
Pond K and Pond W. (1999) An introduction to animal science. Wiley